wi11 saidOk I’m looking at buying a Para sf-45-a pistol. So far on here I’ve found one other person that likes to shoot. I cant believe that there are not more dudes on here that enjoy shooting sports anyone?

I know a few gay people who are recreational shooters.

Take a look in the forums for reviews of the ParaOrdinance pistols. They seem to have quite a few negative comments.

Unless you're set on a Para, I'd look at Springfield Armory for a good performer in the same price range.

I grew up on a ranch so I know how to clean a gun. Can strip and put together an M-16 too. Oddly I don't own a gun. Been in the city too long and unless I'm gonna do something illegal, I don't have a use for one.

I don't own a gun, but would like to. Lesbian roomies just got a 38 special. I can't wait to go to the shooting range with them, hopefully with a gun of my own too. Used to keep one in our truck back in Indiana all the time.

I'd love to own a gun and go to the range. I grew up on a farm as a hunter and farmer, so guns have always been a part of my life. Unfortunately, my current budget only allows for aviation, photography, and fitness...and bills.

However, a nice semi-auto pistol is definitely in my bucket list of toys.

I have no problem with recreational shooting. Indeed, I used to run Army firing ranges, and was rated Expert on just about every weapon the US Army had. And carried a .45 at my side for many years, as an MP Officer.

But the 1911 .45 large frame automatic for personal use? A worse sidearm could hardly be imagined, if recreational shooting is your goal. Unless merely hitting the side of a barn about 5 times out of 10 makes you happy.

And I checked some websites about this particular weapon, and they seemed rather on the fanatical militia side. So what is this really all about? Pistols or politics? Please tell us more...

wi11 saidOk I’m looking at buying a Para sf-45-a pistol. So far on here I’ve found one other person that likes to shoot. I cant believe that there are not more dudes on here that enjoy shooting sports anyone?

The Para SF-45-A is a nice high capacity 1911. Like almost all production pistols, the trigger could use a little attention; however, the pistol is well built. That said, I can't quite warm myself up to the larger grip circumference on a high capacity model. One of the crowning achievements with the 1911 design was the original grip geometry. I'm comfortable with my 8+1 if the trade off is a grip with some girth. Perhaps I am just a dyed in the wool traditionalist.

Red_Vespa saidBut the 1911 .45 large frame automatic for personal use? A worse sidearm could hardly be imagined, if recreational shooting is your goal. Unless merely hitting the side of a barn about 5 times out of 10 makes you happy...

We'll have to agree to disagree on this one. My 1911 pistols (even the non gunsmithed pistols) routinely shoot shockingly small groups at 25 yards.

Red_Vespa saidI have no problem with recreational shooting. Indeed, I used to run Army firing ranges, and was rated Expert on just about every weapon the US Army had. And carried a .45 at my side for many years, as an MP Officer.

But the 1911 .45 large frame automatic for personal use? A worse sidearm could hardly be imagined, if recreational shooting is your goal. Unless merely hitting the side of a barn about 5 times out of 10 makes you happy.

And I checked some websites about this particular weapon, and they seemed rather on the fanatical militia side. So what is this really all about? Pistols or politics? Please tell us more...

If you are just looking for fun, I recommend the Taurus Judge 45/4.10 If you can't hit the side of a barn with that, you better not own a gun! Great little personal defense revolver.

wi11 saidOk I’m looking at buying a Para sf-45-a pistol. So far on here I’ve found one other person that likes to shoot. I cant believe that there are not more dudes on here that enjoy shooting sports anyone?

I'm several steps behind you. I just received my TXDPS CHL application packet in the mail two days ago. I'm planning to visit a couple ranges and take the certification course in the next 6-8 weeks. This is something I've been meaning to do for years, and it has finally moved close to the top of my ever-changing "things to try in the upcoming year" list. I'm giving myself about 10 months to explore it as time and money permit.

Don't be hesitant in posting on RJ about shooting; there may be many more people who don't post because they simply assume no one else would be very interested. Perhaps by the beginning of Fall I'll be on here asking the same questions.